When it comes to comfort strategies for labour, one of my favourite (and often overlooked) techniques is to use a focal point. A focal point is simply that, something you can focus your attention on during contractions. The focal point can be imaginary or an actual object to look at or hold. Visualization is the practice of focusing on an imaginary focal point. In many cases this is a location that invokes thoughts of relaxation and happiness, such as a favorite vacation spot. Women also use a variety of focus items to distract themselves during contractions. Some of the more inventive items I have heard so far include: Purple feather (from the children's story Dumbo)Ceiling tiles and wall bordersA family heirloom such as a piece of jewleryA photographA stuffed toy or children's item Although I did not go into my labour with a particular focal point in mind, I specifically chose one for my most recent 10K run. I wore a family heirloom, an aquamarine ring from an aunt with whom I shared the same birthday. I could not believe how much I clung to that ring in the final kilometer and focusing on that ring helped distract me from the discomfort in the final leg of my long distance run.

Every labour is different, and it is impossible to tell which comfort strategies you will find most useful until the time comes. Consider having a focal point close by during the beginning stages of labour and experiment with it to see if